Google Map

Rockies :: Alberta Foothills :: Seventy Buck

GPS Track

Panoramic view south from Seventy Buck Highpoint;  Lusk Ridge directly across, Cox Hill and Moose Mountain distant left

April 29, 2022

Seventy Buck is small grassy hill rising on north side of Sibbald Trail (Hwy 68).  Steep but short ascent leads to good viewpoint of Foothills and Front Ranges. Dry south facing slope is often feasible year-round.  There is no established trail, good flagging exists but neither is really needed.  Hike can be extended by traversing logged north slopes then looping back via Seventy Buck Valley logging road, which is also alternate access for Eagle Hill;  both hikes can easily be done in 4-5 hours.  Although some parties elected to do CCW loop, clockwise direction is far better - steep terrain leading to Seventy Buck viewpoint is better ascended than descended and overall scenery is better.

Parking is at "Crane Meadows" - unmarked pullout couple of km west from Sibbald Lake recreation area (first photo in gallery).  If in doubt, use GPS track at top of page - waypoint "0 - Crane Meadows". Valley trail / logging road leads into the forest on north side, and this will be the return way if you do the loop.  For Seventy Buck walk for couple of minutes on grassy ledge above the road west, then head up through forest.  If you can't find flags, simply trash up anywhere you like. Halfway up is bit of crumbling rock outcrop and above this minor obstacle grade mellows.  Trail now appears and leads in some 15min of enjoyable ridgewalking to highpoint that had primitive bivi coral on my visit, as well as fire pit testifying on local popularity.  For loop return continue north at edge of logged area to low saddle.  Going is not enjoyable here and although guidebook suggests continuing over the rise where presumably logging road can be picked up, I simply trashed down grassy slopes interspersed with young growth and generally had no difficulties dropping to Valley Road.  Here turn right and walk back to the parking in ~30 minutes.  Turning left will lead to Eagle Hill in ~45minutes - see Eagle Hill page for more details.

Gallery

Flagged Ascent

Good flagging as bits of trail develops ascending Seventy Buck Viewpoint